Heritage

The Canterbury Journey will address the urgent restoration needs of several key areas of the Cathedral to conserve and safeguard this important part of our heritage.

The Nave and West Tower

The Nave was designed in the late 14th-century and recent inspections tell us that the roof coverings are weakening and there are issues with water drainage. The Cathedral has been carrying out a schedule of running repairs, but important elements of these have now reached the end of their life expectancy and a point has now been reached where the only solution is the complete replacement of these materials.

In addition to the structural concerns, the stained glass of the north Clerestory windows is also in pressing need of repair. Loose masonry has been removed to make them safe, however, there is now

The central part of the Nave roof has been repaired and re-leaded, seen here in June 2018.

an urgent need to conserve and protect them.

Works on the main building include:

repair and re-lead of the West Tower, Nave and Aisle roofs

repair and conservation of the West Tower faces, Nave pinnacles, parapets and flying buttresses

repair and conservation of the Clerestory masonry

repair, conservation and protection of the North Clerestory stained glass and ferramentas

access systems for future maintenance

While these repairs take place, a safety deck has been installed across the ceiling of the Nave to catch any falling debris and enable internal works to take place.

Christ Church Gate

Christ Church Gate is the main route into the Cathedral. In the past, unsuitable materials have been used to repair the gate and now these materials have reached the end of their lifespan and pose a safety risk to people passing through it. The repair and restoration of Christ Church Gate, which will start in 2019, will include:

restoration of the external facades

repairs to the roof

conservation of the decorative heraldry

restoration of the vaulting’s historic colour scheme

The Precincts

The view of the landscaping is always changing, but here is Phase 1, in June 2018.

The Precincts are the terrain through which the visitors pass as they make their journey to the Cathedral, but they are potentially also the place where interpretation and understanding begin. Currently the south west Precincts are fragmented and have no natural flow. The surface is also uncomfortable for those in prams and wheelchairs. The project will focus on enhancing the south west Precincts, improving signage and creating equal access for all, introducing interpretation and bringing coherence to the site.

Weather proofing, repair and restoration works to the Nave along with the conservation and protection of the stained glass of the North Clerestory windows, and improvements to drainage, will leave the historic fabric of the Cathedral in a better condition. The landscaping works and enhanced access will provide better interpretation and explanation of the Cathedral’s historic environment whilst bringing harmony and coherence to the site with improved access for all.